Following the heartbreaking loss of Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle, Stephen A. Smith is experiencing emotional turmoil.
While on the show on Thursday, the host of “First Take” found out that Randle will need season-ending shoulder surgery. Unsurprisingly, his response was emotional. Theatrical music played in the background as Smith, his head in his hands, repeatedly smashed the desk in rage. Smith vented about his beloved Knicks.
.@stephenasmith is heartbroken over the news that Julius Randle will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery 😟 pic.twitter.com/XDcJUPjVg5
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 4, 2024
When Randle dislocated his right shoulder during a win over the Miami Heat on January 27, the ESPN commentator was alluding to happier times, when the Knicks were on a high.
Stephen A. Smith Speaks about impact of Julius Randle
Smith stated that he thought the Knicks, with Randle healthy, were in a great position to go far in the postseason.
He said,
“[The Knicks were] 24-9 [on] 47 percent shooting, OG Anunoby arrives [after a trade with the Raptors in December 2023] and they got the best record in the month of January,”
“You got an opportunity with Milwaukee looking suspect, Miami looking suspect at times, [Sixers star center] Joel Embiid injured [knee],” “They had a chance to get to the conference finals against Boston and then this happens.”
“You can’t make it up, man. Just go, just go,”
Prior to their game against the Kings on Thursday, the Knicks declared that Randle would undergo another evaluation in five months. The three-time All-Star’s non-shooting shoulder issue has prevented him from playing.
